Magazine and feed assembly for a fastener-driving tool

ABSTRACT

A magazine and feed assembly for a fastener-driving tool is provided wherein the magazine is formed of a pair of complemental sections which are adapted to assume a plurality of selected positions of assembly and form a chamber in which a plurality of collated fasteners are accommodated. An outlet port is formed by the sections and a guide extends outwardly from said port and terminated at a fastener firing station. Cooperating with the guide is a power-actuated feed means which is adapted to intermittently move the fasteners along the guide to the firing station.

United States Patent Perkins et al.

1 Sept. 5, 1972 [54] MAGAZINE AND FEED ASSEMBLY FOR A FASTENER-DRIVINGTOOL [72] Inventors: Garry R. Perkins; James K. Goode,

both of Cary, Ill.

[7 3] Assignee: Spotnails, Inc., Rolling Meadows,

Ill.

[22] Filed: Nov. 10, 1969 21] Appl. No.: 875,466

[52] US. Cl. ..227/127, 22 7/ 109, 227/ 136 51 1m.c1 ..B25c1/04 5sFieldofSearch ..227/109,112,120,127,136

[ 56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS I 3,524,576 8/1-970 Bad er..227/136 A 1,125,411

l/l9l 5 Szemerey ..227/l20 X Boulay ..227/136 X Colechia et al ..227/109 X Primary Examiner-Granville Y. Custer, Jr. Attorney-Pendleton,Neuman, Williams and Anderson [57] ABSTRACT A magazine and feed assemblyfor a fastener-driving tool is provided wherein the magazine is formedof a pair of complemental sections which are adapted to assume aplurality of selected positions of assembly and form a'chamber in whicha plurality of collated fasteners are accommodated. An outlet port isformed by the sections and a guide extends outwardly from said port andterminated at a fastener firing station. Cooperating with the guide is apower-actuated feed means which is adapted to intermittently move thefasteners along the guide to the firing station.

14 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures BACKGROUND OF Tris INVENTION Variousfastener-driving tools have heretofore been provided which because ofcertain design characteristics are beset with one or more of thefollowing shortcomings: (a) the magazine and feed mechanism are adaptedto accommodate only fasteners of a single size and shape therebymaterially reducing the utility of the tool; (b) jamming and binding ofthe fasteners within the tool frequently occurs; (c) loading andreloading of the tool are awkward and time-consuming manipulations; (d)the variouscomponent parts comprising the feed mechanism are susceptibleto excessive wear and require frequent adjustments; and (e) thefasteners, when fed into the firing station, are unstable and frequentlydrop out of position or assume askewed positions before being driveninto a workpiece.

i SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Thus, it is an object of this invention toprovide a magazine and feed assemb y which avoids the aforenotedshortcomings.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a magazine which isself-adjusting to the size of fasteners accommodated therein. V

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a magazine andfeed assembly whichis of simple yet sturdy construction and is effectivein operation.

Further and additional objects will appear from the description,accompanying drawings, and appended claims.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention a magazine and feedassembly for a fastener-driving tool is provided which comprises firstand second complemental magazine sections that are removablyinterconnected and self-adjusting so as to form a chamber foraccommodating a plurality of collated fasteners. The magazine sectionscooperate to form an outlet port through which the individual fastenerspass as the tool is operated. Extending outwardly from the outlet portis a fastener guide which terminates in a firing station. Mountedadjacent the guide and cooperating therewith is an adjustable feed meanswhich intermittently engages and moves the fasteners along the guide tothe firing station.

For a more complete understanding of the invention reference should bemade to the drawings wherein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of a fastener-driving tool embodyingone form of the improved magazine and feed assembly.

- FIG. 2 is similar to FIG. 1, but showing one guide component in anopen position and exposing the fasteners located therein.

FIG. 3 is a perspective bottom view of the tool ofv FIG. 6 is anenlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4.

FIGS. 7-9 are enlarged fragmentary sectional views taken along lines7-7, 8-8, and 9-9, respectively, of FIG. 4.

FIGS. 10-11 are enlarged fragmentary sectional views taken along linesl010 and 1l1 1, respectively, of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view similar to FIG. 7, butshowing only one of the magazine sections subsequent to the magazinelocking mechanism being manually moved to its release position.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIG. 1, one formof the improved magazine and feed assembly 20 is shown incorporated in aportable, pneumatically operated fastener driving tool 21, commonlyreferred to in the trade as a power nailer. The improved assembly ashereinafter described is not limited to the driving tool, asillustrated, but may be incorporated in various other types of powertools utilized for driving screws, rivets, etc. In addition to theassembly in question, the illustrated tool 21 includes a hollow handle21a, a hose connector 21b protruding from the rear end of the handle,and a housing 210 mounted on the forward end of the handle andaccommodating a drive piston and cylinder combination and various valvesand controls therefor.

The improved assembly 20 comprises a sectional magazine 22 secured to adepending extension 21d of the tool handle 21a, and a feed mechanism 23extending laterally forward from the magazine and terminating in a nosesection 24 which is in vertical alignment with and connected to thehousing 210.

As seen in FIG. 3, the magazine 22 comprises a stationary upper or firstsection or container 25 which is of inverted substantially cuplikeconfiguration and a removable lower or second section or cover 26 whichis also substantially cuplike in configuration. Section 26 is adapted tobe assembled in telescoping relation with section 25 to form acylindrically shaped canister or chamber X which is adapted toaccommodate a coiled strip S of collated fasteners 27. The fasteners inthe illustrated embodiment constitute round, flat-head nails having theshanks 27a thereof interconnected by flexible tape sections 28. All ofthe fasteners constituting the coiled strip S have the pointed ends 27bthereof facing downwardly, or towards the magazine section 26.

The magazine sections 25 and 26 may be formed of suitable plastic, metalor the like or a combination thereof. That is to say, upper section 25may be of plastic or metal, and the lower section 26 formed of anfexpendable inexpensive material such as plastic or a formed fibrousmaterial such as paper.

The upper section 25 has a substantially cone-shaped upper portion 25aand a cylindrically-shaped lower portion 25b. Extending axiallydownwardly from the apex of the upper portion 25a is a hollow spindle orfirst stem 25c, see FIG. 7. The spindle 250 has a portion thereofprojecting upwardly from section 25 and is affixed by suitable means tothe handle extension 21d. Disposed within the spindle 25c is a lockingmechanism 30 which will be described more fully hereinafter.

Encompassing the exterior of spindle 25c is a coil spring 31 the upperend of which abuts a shoulder 32 3 formed on the spindle and engagingthe upper end of section 25. The lower end of spring 31 is connected toan ejector sleeve 33 which is slidably mounted on the exterior ofspindle 25c. The lower end of spindle 250 is closed by a plug 34, seeFIGS.7 and 12.

The lower magazine section 26, as seen in FIGS. 3, 7, and 8 has acylindrical wall 26a, a concave bottom 26b, and an axially disposedupwardly extending tubular member or hollow second stem 26c. The size ofthe wall 269 is such that it telescopes within the cylindrical lowerportion 25b of section 25 and the tubular member 26c is sized so as toslidably accommodate within the upper open end thereof, the lowerportion of the spindle 25c. When the spindleis assembled in the tubularmember 260, the latter abuts the ejector sleeve 33 and moves s'ameupwardly along the spindle 25c causing the coil spring 31 to becompressed. The ejector sleeve 33 is slidably connected to spindle 25cby transverse pins 33a which extend into elongated slots 25d formed inthe spindle, see FIG. 8.

The outside diameter of tubular member 260 is such that a spool piece Sabout which the fastener strip is snugly coiled, can be readily slippedthereover when the tool is being loaded or reloaded. Formed in thetubular member 260 are longitudinally spaced apertures A, B, and C, seeFIG. 7, the function of which will be discussed more fully hereinafteralong with the locking mechanism 30.

The cylindrical walls 25b and 26aof the magazine sections 25 and 26 areprovided with longitudinally extending slots 25c and 26d which cooperatewith one another when the sections are assembled to form an outlet portP for themagazine chamber or canister X.

The exterior of the cylindrical wall 26a of magazine section 26 isprovided with suitable indicia I, portions of which are exposed beneaththe lower edge of the depending cylindrical wall 25b of section'25 whenthe two sections are telescopically assembled. The indicia l iscoordinated to the spacing of the-apertures A, B, and C 4 tab 37 causingthe lever to pivot in a counter-clockwise direction, the protrudinghook-shaped end of the lever is retracted into hollow spindle 250, seeFIG. 12, whereupon the lower magazine section 26 is ejected by the forceof compressed spring 31.

The feed mechanism 23, as seen in'FIGS. 2 and 4, includes a guide 40which comprises a first plate member 41 and a second plate member ordoor 42, the latter being hingedly mounted to move between a closed,operative position, as seen in FIG. 4, and an open position, as seen inFIG. 3. When plate member 42 is in its open position, the uncoiled endof the fastener strip S can be properly threaded into the guide. Oncethe strip end is properly positioned on the exposed surface of platemember 41, member 42 is moved to its closed position, see FIG. 4. Whenin the closed position, plate members 41 and 42 are disposed in spaced,substantially parallel relation. The spacing Z between the adjacentsurfaces of the plate members is slightly greater 270 of the fastenersare disposed above plate member formed in tubular member 260 of section26 and thereby enables the user of the tool to readily determine thesize fastener accommodated within the magazine without requiring thelatter to be disassembled. v

The locking mechanism 30, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, includes anelongated lev'er or rod 36 disposed within and pivotally connected at36a to spindle 25c. The upper end 36b of the lever protrudes from theupper end of the spindle and has affixed thereto a finger tab 37 whichis exposed and may be readily manipulated by the finger F of the user,when the magazine sections are to be disassembled, see FIG. 12.

The lower end 360 of the lever is hook'shaped or offset to form a prongand is adapted to extend through an elongated slot 25f formed in thespindle. The lever 36 is biased in a clockwise direction, see FIG. 7, bya spring 38 so that lever 36 will normally assume a position whereby theend 36c protrudes outwardly through slot 25f. When the magazine sections25 and 26 are assembled, the lever end 36c will selectively engage inone of the apertures or recesses A, B, or C formed in tubular member.Positive interlocking engagement is effected between the lever end 360and the tubular member 26c by reason of the force exerted on the latterby coil spring 31. When manual forceis exerted on the finger 42 on oneside and are disposed on the other side within an elongated slot 41bformed in the upper'portion of plate member 41, see FIG. 6, so thatthere is no interference between the fastener heads 27c and the platemembers during movement of the fasteners through the guide. I

Plate member 42 is biased by a spring 43 to assume an open position.Thus, to retain the member 42 in its closed position, a latch 44,-seeFIGS. 9 and 11, is provided which is mounted on member 41 for pivotaladjustment about the elongated leg 44a of latch 44 as an axis. The latch44, when in-its latching position, see FIG. 11, engages a projectingtongue 45 carried by the member 42. Y I

Plate member 41 is provided with a cylinder 46 in which is slidablymounted an air-actuated piston 47, see FIGS. 4 and 5. The closed end ofthe cylinder is in communication with a passageway. 48 leading to asource of compressed air, not shown. ,Adjustably disposed within aV-shaped groove formed in the face of piston 47 is an elongated arm 50,see FIGS. 4 and 5. A portion 50a of the distal end of the arm protrudesthrough an elongated slot 51 formed in plate member 41. The arm portion50a is provided with a pair of ratchet teeth 50b and c. The forward faceof each tooth is flat and disposed at substantially a right angle withrespect to the direction of travel of the piston 47. The

back face of each tooth, on the other hand, is inclined.

Thus, when the piston and arm are moving forwardly relative to the guideplate member 41 as a unit (i.e., to the left as viewed in FIG. 4), theforward flat face of tooth 500 will abut the shank 27a of thesecondfastener from the free end of the strip S and thereby move said abuttedfasteners and the lead fastener L forward until said lead fastener L ispositioned within the firing station or drive channel Y which isadjacent the outerterminus of the guide and forms a part of the nosesection 24. Because all of the fasteners comprisingthe strip S areinterconnected by tape sections 28, movement of certain of the fastenersby the ratchet teeth of arm 50 causes the uncoiling of the strip withinthe magazine and successive movement of the strip fasteners out throughthe port P and between the guide plate members.

Once piston 47 has reached its fully extended position, as seen in FIG.4, the air pressure behind the piston is automatically released and thepiston is automatically returned to its fully retracted position, seeFIG. 5, by a coil spring 52. One end of spring 52 is disposed within apocket 53 formed in the nose section 24 and the other end contacts theforward end of arm 50. As the piston and arm are retracted as a unit,the inclined rear faces of ratchet teeth 50b and 0 will contact theshanks of the rearwardly disposed fasteners and cam the arm 50 a slightamount in a counterclockwise direction, as seen in FIG. 4, about theinner end 50d of the arm as a fulcrum.

To prevent the collated fasteners disposed within the guide spacing ortrack Z from receding from the firing station Y as the arm and pistonare retracted, the fasteners are held fast in place by a pair of springloaded detents 54 which are carried on plate member 42, see FIG. 6. Thedetents are biased by a leaf spring 55 to project into the space Theforward and rear faces of each detent are shaped similar to thecorresponding faces of the teeth 50b and 0, previously described. Theforce exerted on the detents 54 by spring 55 is such that they willreadily be cammed out of the way by the shanks of the advancingfasteners when the latter are moved by the arm teeth 50b and c. Thedetents 54 are vertically spaced relative'to one another and aredisposed above and below the teeth 50b and c of arm 50. Thus, thedetents serve an additional function of properly orienting the fastenerswithin the guide space Z preparatory to being fed to the firing stationY.

As seen in FIGS. 6 and 9, the lower or discharge end of the firingstation Y is normally closed by a spring loaded toe pawl or holdingelement 56 which is carried by plate member 41. The toe pawl 56 isbiased to normally assume a position as shown in FIGS. 6 and 9 whereinthe end 56a of the pawl subtends the pointed end 27b of fastener L whenit is disposed within the firing station Y. Thus, the toe pawl 56prevents the fastener L from accidentally falling out of station Y priorthe fastener being driven therefrom by pneumatically actuated driverblade 57, see FIG. 9. When the lead fastener L is expelled from thefiring station Y by the driver blade, the toe pawl 56 will be moved in acounter-clockwise direction to a release position, as seen in dottedlines in FIG. 9, by the expelled fastener whereby the head 27c of thefastener may readily move therepast.

To prevent the detents 54 from being retracted too far by the advancingfasteners in the guide spaceZ, a winged stop piece 58 is secured to theexposed surface of plate member 42, see FIG. 6. The ends of the stoppiece 58 are in registered, outwardly spaced relation with respect tothe outer ends of detents 54. Disposed between the outer ends of thedetents and the ends of the stop piece is leaf spring 55, see FIG. 6.

Thus, it will be seen that an improved magazine and feed assembly hasbeen provided which is adapted to accommodate fasteners which vary insize and shape over a wide range. The magazine is of simple yet sturdyconstruction and is readily self-adjustable to accommodate various sizefasteners. Loading and reloading of the magazine and feed assembly maybe expeditiously accomplished.

While a magazine and feed assembly of a particular design has beenillustrated, it is to be understood that the claimed invention is notintended to be so limited.

We claim:

1. In a fastener-driving tool, a fastener magazine and feed assemblycomprising a stationary magazine first section; an adjustable magazinesecond section releasably mounted on said first section and cooperatingtherewith to form a chamber and an outlet port therefor foraccommodating a plurality of collated fasteners; manually actuatablelocking means carried by one of said sections and biased to assume afirst position to effect engagement with the other of said sections andretain said sections in selected positions of assembled relation toaccommodate fasteners of varying size; resilient means cooperating withsaid sections to effect automatic disassembly of said sections when saidlocking means is actuated to a second position; a

fastener guide extending outwardly from said outlet port; andpower-actuated fastener-feed means mounted on said guide for engaging atleast one of the leading fasteners accommodated by said guide and movingsame a predetermined distance relative to said guide.

2. The fastener magazine and feed assembly of claim 1 wherein said firstand second sections are of traylike configuration and disposed ininverted telescoping selfadjusting relation; the extent to which saidsections are telescoped being adjusted to the length of the fastenersaccommodated within said chamber.

3. The fastener magazine and feed assembly of claim 2 wherein both ofsaid sections are provided with com-- plementary portions cooperatingwith one another to form the outlet port through which only a singlecollated fastener is passable at a given time from said chamber to saidguide.

4. The fastener magazine and feed assembly of claim 2 wherein said firstand second sections are adapted to assume a plurality of selectedtelescoping positions, and said second section is provided with exposedindicia indicating the selected telescoping position in which saidsections are assembled.

5. A magazine structure for a fastener driving machine comprising afastener holding container, a first hollow stem within said container, arod pivotally movable within said stem having a prong at its lowerportion, a cover underlying said fastener holding container having asecond hollow stem portion adapted to fit about said first hollow stemportion and provided with a plurality of spaced recesses therewithinadapted to be selectively engaged by said prong.

6. A magazine structure as described in claim 5 including a spring meanscarried by said rod biasing said rod in engaged position with one ofsaid recesses and handle means upon said rod at one end thereof.

7. A magazine structure as described in claim 6 including a coverejecting member carried by said firstnamed stem.

8. A magazine structure as described in claim 7 said cover ejectingmember including a pusher member carried by said first stem and adaptedto abut the second stem portion of said cover and spring means biasingsaid pusher member against said second stem portion.

9. A magazine structure as described in claim 8 said first stem providedwith a hollow elongate slot therewithin, said pusher member having aprojection disposed within said elongate slot.

10. A feed mechanism for a fastener driving machine comprising afastener track, a pivotal openable door overlying said track, means forselectively retaining said door in open or closed position, firstfastener feed means within said track, a pair of spaced feed pawlscarried by said door having ratched portions thereupon, and spring meansupon said door connected to said feed pawls.

11. A feed mechanism as described in claim 10 said spring means being asingle leaf spring.

12. A feed mechanism as described in claim 11 including spring meansconnected to said door and said track and biasing said door into openposition.

13. A structure as described in claim including a feed mechanismadjacent said magazine, said feed mechanism comprising a fastener track,a pivotal openable door overlying said track, spring means connected tosaid door and to said track normally biasing said door into openposition, first fastener feed means within said track, latch meanscarried by said door and said track, a pair of spaced feed pawls carriedby said door having ratched portions thereupon, and a single leaf springcarried by said door and connected to said feed pawls.

14. A structure as described in claim 13 including a drive improvementmechanism having, in combination, a drive channel provided with alateral slot opening thereinto, a pivotally movable holding elementwithin said channel and said lateral slot, said holding element beingbelow the undriven position of a nail disposed within said drivechannel, coil spring means secured to said feed mechanism and to saidholding element normally maintaining said holding element in blockingposition with respect to said nail, said holding element moving tounblocking position with respect to said nail as soon as said nail isdriven from said channel and abuts said holding element.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No.3,688,966 Dated September 5, 1972 Inve t GARRY R. PERKINS and JAMES K.GOODE It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patentand that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In the ABSTRACT, line 8, "terminated" should be "terminates";

Column 1, between lines 48 and 49, the heading "DESCRIPTION" should beinserted;

Column 5, line 26, after "space", insert Z I Column 7, line 13, (claim10) "ratched" should be "ratchet";

Column 8, line 6, (claim 13) ,"ratched" should be "ratchet".

Signed and sealed this 13th day of February 1973.

(SEAL) EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attestlng OfficerCommissioner of Patents FORM PO-HJSO (10-69) USCOMM-DC 60376-P69 i uis.auvnvmzur rnm'rmu urnu; was o-su-au

1. In a fastener-driving tool, a fastener magazine and feed assemblycomprising a stationary magazine first section; an adjustable magazinesecond section releasably mounted on said first section and cooperatingtherewith to form a chamber and an outlet port therefor foraccommodating a plurality of collated fasteners; manually actuatablelocking means carried by one of said sections and biased to assume afirst position to effect engagement with the other of said sections andretain said sections in selected positions of assembled relation toaccommodate fasteners of varying size; resilient means cooperating withsaid sections to effect automatic disassembly of said sections when saidlocking means is actuated to a second position; a fastener guideextending outwardly from said outlet port; and power-actuatedfastener-feed means mounted on said guide for engaging at least one ofthe leading fasteners accommodated by said guide and moving same apredetermined distance relative to said guide.
 2. The fastener magazineand feed assembly of claim 1 wherein said first and second sections areof traylike configuration and disposed in inverted telescopingself-adjusting relation; the extent to which said sections aretelescoped being adjusted to the length of the fasteners accommodatedwithin said chamber.
 3. The fastener magazine and feed assembly of claim2 wherein both of said sections are provided with complementary portionscooperating with one another to form the outlet porT through which onlya single collated fastener is passable at a given time from said chamberto said guide.
 4. The fastener magazine and feed assembly of claim 2wherein said first and second sections are adapted to assume a pluralityof selected telescoping positions, and said second section is providedwith exposed indicia indicating the selected telescoping position inwhich said sections are assembled.
 5. A magazine structure for afastener driving machine comprising a fastener holding container, afirst hollow stem within said container, a rod pivotally movable withinsaid stem having a prong at its lower portion, a cover underlying saidfastener holding container having a second hollow stem portion adaptedto fit about said first hollow stem portion and provided with aplurality of spaced recesses therewithin adapted to be selectivelyengaged by said prong.
 6. A magazine structure as described in claim 5including a spring means carried by said rod biasing said rod in engagedposition with one of said recesses and handle means upon said rod at oneend thereof.
 7. A magazine structure as described in claim 6 including acover ejecting member carried by said first-named stem.
 8. A magazinestructure as described in claim 7 said cover ejecting member including apusher member carried by said first stem and adapted to abut the secondstem portion of said cover and spring means biasing said pusher memberagainst said second stem portion.
 9. A magazine structure as describedin claim 8 said first stem provided with a hollow elongate slottherewithin, said pusher member having a projection disposed within saidelongate slot.
 10. A feed mechanism for a fastener driving machinecomprising a fastener track, a pivotal openable door overlying saidtrack, means for selectively retaining said door in open or closedposition, first fastener feed means within said track, a pair of spacedfeed pawls carried by said door having ratched portions thereupon, andspring means upon said door connected to said feed pawls.
 11. A feedmechanism as described in claim 10 said spring means being a single leafspring.
 12. A feed mechanism as described in claim 11 including springmeans connected to said door and said track and biasing said door intoopen position.
 13. A structure as described in claim 5 including a feedmechanism adjacent said magazine, said feed mechanism comprising afastener track, a pivotal openable door overlying said track, springmeans connected to said door and to said track normally biasing saiddoor into open position, first fastener feed means within said track,latch means carried by said door and said track, a pair of spaced feedpawls carried by said door having ratched portions thereupon, and asingle leaf spring carried by said door and connected to said feedpawls.
 14. A structure as described in claim 13 including a driveimprovement mechanism having, in combination, a drive channel providedwith a lateral slot opening thereinto, a pivotally movable holdingelement within said channel and said lateral slot, said holding elementbeing below the undriven position of a nail disposed within said drivechannel, coil spring means secured to said feed mechanism and to saidholding element normally maintaining said holding element in blockingposition with respect to said nail, said holding element moving tounblocking position with respect to said nail as soon as said nail isdriven from said channel and abuts said holding element.